89th Academy Awards 2017 - Fashion Overview

Lights, Camera's & Holy Mackerel!

And, The Best Picture goes to - What Just Happened?

The 89th Academy Awards Sunday, February 26, 2017 ended with a stunned audience gasping in shock as Warren Beatty and Fay Dunaway announced the incorrect winner for Best Picture giving the nod to La La Land. The immediate and confusing correction was given to the well deserved film after fumbling hands exchanged the envelopes to the correct winner - Moonlight. The crazed finale was the unexpected culmination to a year of interesting though sad movies about the human condition which is always utterly unpredictable. Many thought the mix-up was a hoax because of the host Jimmy Kimmel and Matt Damon silly feud but then the reality of chaos hit with a flourish. Art does imitate life and last night was an example of how even under the most controlled environments the world doesn't always play by the numbers. Think Brexit, US Presidential Election, Superbowl Win and now the Oscars. Perhaps this was a healthy reminder of how control of anything and anyone is an illusion, change is inevitable and in life anything can happen and does happen. Luckily, everyone showed grace towards fellow thespians.

Of course, the red carpet did not disappoint. The Jackie 'O's black velvet's, nudes, golds and reds entwined in gowns sparkled and mesmerized the viewers. Images of the Great Gatsby and covering up rather than flaunting skin was apparent and a welcome surprise. The metallic shades, red lips and hair were reminiscent of another time. Old Hollywood glamour was front and center in yes - La La Land.

Oscars 2017 Winners Circle

"Everyday is a fashion show and the world is the runway!" - Coco Chanel

______

The FashionGlitz, Glamour & Old Hollywood Style

Classic

Glitz & Glitter

The Movie Star Glamour Queens

Liz on a Hot Tin Roof - Taraji P. Henson

Elizabeth Taylor - Hot Tin Roof (1958)

I. Taraji P. Henson - Albert Ferretti: Henson was steeped in Elizabeth Taylor glamour wearing a bewitching velvet blue gown with a plunging neckline and sophisticated high thigh-slit showing off curves. The hair makeup and diamond necklace completed the classic and timeless image. The overall effect was beyond the stars and over the moon.

Jackie 'O Sisters

Michelle Williams & Emma Roberts

Jackie Kennedy in Oleg Cassini

II. Michelle Williams - Alberto Ferretti & Emma Roberts - Armani Privi: Williams nominated for Best Supporting Actress, Manchester by the Sea and Roberts wore similar showstopping frocks. The fit, plunging necklines, tasteful makeup and hair were the envy of the evening. Williams, by the way, was riveting in the movie, Manchester by the Sea.

Fairy Princess - Hailee Steinfeld

III. Hailee Steinfeld - Ralph & Russo: The hand painted silk gown with crystal and floral embellishments with strategically placed flattering ruffles and an A-line skirt was dazzling. The hair, makeup and train completed the ensemble. Steinfeld has come along way from the True Grit (2010) character into a fashionable maven that floated down the runway with poise and elegance of a fairy princess.

Lioness - Nicole Kidman

Oscars 1997

V. Nicole Kidman - Armani Privi: This nude number with India-like embellishments was ravishing against porcelain skin. Kidman, nominated for Best Actress in Lion, did not disappoint on Oscar night. Every conversation for this A-lister was graceful and poignant. The red lips, red drop earrings and hair up was reminiscent of another gown worn long ago in another life. Today's world is so much brighter.

Lady in Red - Viola Davis

VI. Viola Davis - Armani Prive: Davis, winner of Best Supporting Actor, Fences was mesmerizing on the red carpet as well as in Fences. Davis draped in a ravishing red gown electrified the red carpet and then on stage gave a well rehearsed acceptance speech. Thanking her peers and reminiscing about those who have walked in our shoes before us with the same hopes and dreams. Be thankful, live fully and grasp the golden ring and in this case the Oscar. Incredible woman and a role model for all.

"Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well - Vivienne Westwood

______

Frump of the Evening - Worst Dressed

And, the award goes too....

The Mad Hatter - Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae - Elie Saab: Monae gown by Elie Saab was an over the top mishmash of fabrics which detracted rather than enhanced. The black, gold, belt, crown and was just too much chatter and overkill of embellishments. The dress was definitely the opposite of minimalism fashion. The hair and makeup were muted and perhaps required a celebrated pop of color. A figure flattering gown would have been more appropriate.

“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”

- Coco Chanel

______

The Queen - Best Dressed

Emma Stone - The Winning Song Bird

Emma Stone - Givenchy - Best Actress in La La Land: The gold goddess confection was completely breathtaking on Stone as she sashayed down the red carpet. The mix of 40's and 20's fashion were apparent from the Veronica Lake hair, red lips and flapper hem. Apparently, the gown took 1700 hours to create and was sweet perfection on this artist that lit up the big screen in La La Land. The movie really isn't a musical but rather a story of a young woman making it in Hollywood as an up and coming actress. The journey is rough, tough and a thick skin is required. As with anything perseverance, strength and conviction always are forefront. If it was easy why try? Stone reigned as Queen this night for elegance and giving a thoughtful acceptance speech praising fellow artists, family and friends. One word - grace.

"The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress." - Hubert de Givenchy

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

This post contains affiliate links. I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Don't Crush the Butterfly!

"Despite everything, no one can dictate who you are to other people." - Prince

Butterfly's come in all shapes and sizes painted in dazzling and colorful hues. The beauty and varied differences of the butterfly are astounding and beloved by the beholder. There are approximately 20,000 species throughout the world dancing in the sun and air. Yet, what does a butterfly mean to fashionistas? Well, for one all the people of the land can evolve into creative and wondrous butterflies. It is through the journey of life that sometimes the environment, family, friends and peers willingly crush the beauty and charming essence of you - the exotic butterfly.

Don't Destroy the Wings of Flight
There will always be the vengeful, the user, the hateful or a person filled with jealousy and envy that clips the wings of the butterfly. Their i…

Now more than ever we need love in our world instead of hate. Hate is prevalent and it seems to be growing creating sorting and isolation. We need to watch our words, think about what how we communicate verbally and written and always strive to be a figure of grace, wit and kindness. Strident words in communication of any sort can only lead to misery to the person creating the dissertation. Recognize tragedy but lead with a firm hand of resolution and strength. Which leads me to my favorite color red that signifies - love. We are lost as people and as a nation without love, kindness, thoughtfulness and understanding . Thus, my adventure with the color red has always been front and center in my life.

I have worn red lipstick with red nails forever. It is a signature look for me that I adore even though my mother constantly told me not to wear red lipstick. Of course, I didn't listen. In 2018, I started…